James-Ankara-Week 6

This weekend I stayed in Ankara and visited the Anıtkabir, which is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.  The mausoleum complex is located within central Ankara, on a bluff that provides an extensive view of the city.  The actual mausoleum is located a few hundred meters within a forested area that is patrolled by soldiers in a Turkish Army honor guard.  The area and layout of the grounds are strikingly similar to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.  Upon reaching the actual mausoleum complex, one is struck by how large the mausoleum truly is.  Within the tomb, Ataturk's sarcophagus and two messages, one from Ismet Inonu and one from Ataturk himself, can be seen engraved upon the wall.  Upon exiting the tomb, one can visit the Ataturk museum about Ataturk's life and struggle to craft the Turkish Republic known today.  No pictures were allowed inside the museum, but one can see things varying from medals presented to Ataturk by foreign dignitaries to a wax model of the Turkish leader himself.  All in all, it was very interesting sight to see if one ever makes it to Ankara.

Road leading to the Anıtkabir, civilian cars and buses are allowed to park near the tomb complex

Me with one of the Turkish Army soldiers guarding the grounds, they didn't seem to mind pictures

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's sarcophagus within the main building

Ataturk's last message to the Turkish Army shortly before he died

Panorama of the Anıtkabir